How (Can) Truck Drivers Save Money

You may think saving money is impossible in your situation, but like most of us, once you take time to really evaluate where you are spending your money and what you are spending your money on, you’d be amazed by how much money you can really save.

In both of this week’s LIVE events, Facebook and YouTube, we discussed ways drivers are currently saving their money on the road. Take some suggestions from some of these truck drivers and use your rewards cards along with the truck stop’s associated apps to get free meals, laundry services, maintenance, parking and more at designated truck stops. Think smart, when planning your day. Know when and where to fuel to get maximum savings. Plan your meals in advance so you can not only save by buying in bulk or at expensive quick stops but also maximize your clock and choose healthier options. You can use last week’s meal planner to help you with that.

Review your purchases and create a budget. You may be amazed by how well that can help you manage your money. Saving money on the road is possible. But remember, be good on your home time as well and don’t go wild with your spending.

Tips and Tricks To Save Money

  • AVOID unnecessary expenses.
  • Purchase food items in bulk at grocery stores or super stores instead of individually at truck stops where they are usually more expensive.
  • Plan your meals and snacks a week in advance so you are not spending money at every stop.
  • Make a budget and break it down into amounts to automatically transfer each week into savings accounts for monthly, quarterly, yearly expenses so they don’t creep up on you.
  • Pay yourself first!  Take advantage of Decker’s 401K match. Reduce taxable income by putting more into your 401K versus sending to the IRS.
  • Not every week will be a 3000 mile week, try and put money aside for an emergency fund. (ex: $.05/mile until 3+ months of expenses can be covered if need be)
  • Listen to Dave Ramsey’s podcast for peak financial fitness.
  • Avoid cash advances.
  • Take advantage of the fridge and APUs Decker provides in the trucks to save money on eating out.
  • Be sure to claim the appropriate amount on your federal and state taxes. Many people claim too much and then get less take home each week because of it.
  • Reduce taxable income by putting more into your 401K versus sending to the IRS.
  • Track your spending.
  • Turn in all your paperwork / documents as the load delivers to assure getting paid for the load on time.
  • Keep a log of advances (if you MUST get them)

 

Resources

Here are helpful resources that were provided by ATBS and others. ATBS provides tax, bookkeeping, and accounting services specifically for truck drivers! They also have some great FREE resources available on their website, www.atbs.com.

Stick to a budget.

Good luck! You’ve Got this!

 

Written By: Jesse Butler

Jesse Butler is a driver recruiter for Decker Truck Line. She has worked within the trucking industry for over a decade. You can contact her at 406.203.4413. 

Apply directly to Decker Truck Line at www.DriveDecker.com

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